The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) is calling for community feedback on proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to deliver the Western Sydney Aerotropolis’ final planning package.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes said the SEPP changes included large reductions in the size of the Aerotropolis’ open space network and environment and recreation zone, “responding directly to community feedback and following a comprehensive review of open space needs”.
“Planning a new city is an incredibly complex task, and this process proves that nothing is finalised without community consultation,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve listened to the community and the recommendations of the Independent Community Commissioner, Professor Roberta Ryan, and reduced the amount of land earmarked for open space or an environment and recreation zoning,” he said.
“We will still achieve our vision for a Western Parkland City under these proposed changes, while allowing landowners to continue using their property as they do now.”
Mr Stokes said the changes meant fewer properties would need to be acquired and ensured that 95 per cent of homes in the Aerotropolis would be within a five-minute walk of open space.
The Minister said the revised open space network would see 16 per cent of land (869 hectares) in the initial precincts of Aerotropolis Core, Northern Gateway, Badgerys Creek, Wianamatta-South Creek and Mamre Road acquired for parks and public spaces.
“Under the proposed SEPP amendments, the environment and recreation zone at Wianamatta-South Creek will be reduced by a third and a rural zoning re-applied,” he said.
“Previously permitted land uses would also be reintroduced in the Aerotropolis and the Government will consider options for the future of Luddenham.”
He said DPIE was calling for feedback until 5 November on the proposed changes to the SEPP, the draft Phase 2 Development Control Plan and the Luddenham Village Discussion Paper.
Information on how to have a say on the Aerotropolis can be accessed at this PS News link.
